A lot has been said about fate, faith, and hope; but seeing a love story that ends in a magical rustic-chic wedding in the heart of Central Florida is something you don’t hear about every day.

Maria + Justin’s story includes all three. A gorgeous couple that has allowed their faith to guide their paths, they are a true testimony that unconditional love is out there for all, even if at some point it seems impossible. Justin could not contain his tears during his vows, and a lot of people in attendance got to use the little pack of Kleenex given to them upon arrival. His devotion to his beautiful bride came through every word and all of us felt it in our hearts.

This wedding had every single element that makes jaw-dropping photos! Maria spent the last six months planning every detail, designing every space, and putting together the most beautiful rustic-chic style event for their 50+ guests. She has such amazing attention to detail, that there was no corner in the venue that did not have the “Maria touch”. From the simply beautiful centerpieces to the giant Jenga guestbook, to the scrumptious dessert table from Nothing Bundt Cake; every space was filled with romantic details.

The Farmhouse on 44 in Eustis, Florida couldn’t have been more perfect for their special day! The venue owners and their superstar daughter, Faith – who at only 18 years of age is the one that coordinates all the details and basically runs the show, were incredible in assisting all of us during the day to make sure everything ran smoothly, despite the 95° and humid day we got!

Let me tell you…. this venue is PURE MAGIC! I have been obsessed with Spanish moss since my first visit to South Carolina in 2019, and seeing that their beautiful farm was full of it made me squeal with joy. There’s something about Spanish moss that makes every picture look like it came out of a princess book… see for yourself! Even the farm’s vintage red tractor became an amazing prop, which Maria made sure we captured!

The cocktail hour was the continuation of Maria’s touches: a beautifully designed open bar, catered Italian ice by Jeremiah’s Italian Ice, and delicious bites by Premier Event Services kept the guests singing along to country music while the newlyweds got their official husband and wife portraits – which one of the farm’s goats got to photobomb!

After the wedding party and Mr. and Mrs. Porter were introduced to the guests, it was time again for all of us to tear up once more. Joanna and Sarah, Maria’s gorgeous daughters, made all of us emotional during their speech. Their words of love towards Justin got us reaching for the Kleenex again and then made us burst with laughter when Sarah shared that Justin has “saved” her life more times than she can count! We know this was a metaphor, but because Justin is a medic for the US army, he is always been there when these girls need anything – from fevers to earings stuck in the ear canal! Their happiness was evident by seeing how emotional they got.

Finally seeing their beautiful mommy fully and truly happy has been a blessing and a dream come true. They had nothing but amazing words of admiration, appreciation, and love for their mother, and they were ecstatic to become a family of four. Heartfelt prayers from their church pastor led the way to the rest of the night of delicious food, drinks, and party!

Guests danced the day (and night!) away to the talented Dj’ing and photo booth by King Entertainment Events. These guys rocked the house! Before dancing was briefly interrupted by the typical torrential Florida downpour that made all of us run to save our electronics, Maria guided the crowd to conga lines and African beats, and no one cared about the heat! This bride really knows how to party, and her energy was contagious!

This is a wedding for the books, not only because it was my first ever destination wedding but because it has been the most fun I have had in a long time! Take a look at some of my favorite images of the day!

Maria and Justin: thank you for the privilege of allowing me to capture your special day in a way I didn’t even know was possible! Your love story and your love for each other are truly special. You two are a force to be reckoned with, and I cannot wait to see all of your dreams coming true! I love you both!

Planning your destination wedding? I can come along and be the sidekick you didn’t know you needed 🙂